Medium Geotechnical Engineering Shallow Foundations
Explain Terzaghi's bearing capacity equation and its components.
Answer
Terzaghi's equation for ultimate bearing capacity: qu = cNc + qNq + 0.5*gamma*B*Ngamma, where c = cohesion, q = overburden pressure (gamma*D), B = foundation width, gamma = unit weight, and Nc, Nq, Ngamma are bearing capacity factors depending on friction angle phi. First term represents cohesion contribution, second is surcharge (depth) contribution, third is foundation width effect. Shape factors are applied for rectangular/circular footings. This equation assumes general shear failure and homogeneous soil.
IIT Certified
Master These Concepts with IIT Certification
175+ hours of industry projects. Get placed at Bosch, Tata Motors, L&T and 500+ companies.
Relevant for Roles
Geotechnical Engineer Foundation Engineer Civil Engineer